TRA Sponsors And Participates In World Skills Abu Dhabi 2017 (15 October 2017)

As part of its sponsorship of the 44 Edition of the WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced its active participation in the world’s leading event in the field of skills’ support and vocational competition. The event is held for the first time in the Middle East, launched today in Abu Dhabi and will last until 18 October 2017, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The participation is in line with TRA’s efforts in developing national cadres, increasing the competition and innovation spirit among youth, and supporting leading competitions through competing in the category of technical skills, in the presence of a number of innovators of different ages sponsored by TRA, to present their innovations in the competition, compete with international innovators, and represent the UAE.

H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director General, said: ‘TRA sponsorship of this major international event is in line with its efforts in enhancing innovation, raising the name of the UAE in international forums, and reaching international leading positions in various fields, particularly in ICT.’ He confirmed TRA’s keenness to support all national efforts aimed at enhancing national capacities and community service, and strengthening partnership with government and private sectors in order to achieve integration, and accomplish the government objectives.

H.E. Al Mansoori indicated that hosting this international competition in the UAE, which is held for the first time in the Middle East, is a clear indication of the UAE’s global leadership position in the field of youth enabling. Additionally, it is a confirmation of the international community’s confidence in the UAE’s ability to organize major and international events. He wished the success for the competition organizers as well as the Emirati youth participants who represent the UAE in a manner that suits its global position in the innovation field.

H.E. Al Mansoori emphasized that supporting national cadres is among TRA’s top priorities, in line with the wise leadership directives and approach to invest in people. He noted that TRA is keen to participate in all leading events and competitions that serve the country’s efforts in enhancing innovation, spreading knowledge, achieving TRA’s goals in enabling the national youth, and transitioning to the knowledge economy.

During its participation in WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, the TRA presents innovative projects launched by the Centre of Digital Innovation (CoDI), most importantly, ‘Our Future’ project, which enables students to learn about the work reality in the professions they intend to occupy in the future after their university study, through virtual reality applications and simulation of work environment, to be able to make their decision in light of a realistic vision. Additionally, TRA features projects that had been implemented during TRA Innovation Camp 2017 by students from all ages and levels, in support of smart transformation, and to achieve the innovation strategy of the UAE.

During its participation, the TRA registered the competitors via the SmartPass service, and informed them about the importance of registration for easy access to government services. The service received great demand from participants who registered directly using the ID card. TRA will continue to provide this service throughout the days of the competition.

The WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 aims to instill inspiration among youth, and motivate them to engage in technical and vocational training and education, to become the tool that allows them to establish their own businesses and develop their career. This is in line with the country plan for 2021, Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, and TRA’s efforts in enabling and supporting youth, to be able to build the future, progress in the business sector, and lead the transition to knowledge and information economy, of which the youth are considered the infrastructure.

The competition will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), with the participation of 77 countries, and around 1300 competitors of which 1000 are from other countries, competing in 51 categories. The event is expected to receive more than 80,000 visiting students from various Emirates, bringing the total number of the competition visitors to more than 100,000 visitors.

Furthermore, the UAE team includes 34 competitors, representing the UAE in 31 different skills, and competing with participants from various countries for the best skills and innovations in their field. They are among the best innovative Emirati youth, selected from various events organized by different organization in support of the country’s innovation strategy.

The Center of Digital Innovation (CoDI), related to TRA, aims to develop and disseminate best practices, through seminars, training programs and partnerships with educational institutions, to implement these practices in designing and providing smart government services. CoDI is distinguished by its stimulating environment for innovation, research, and exploration of new methods to develop and provide smart government services. CoDI includes a comprehensive lab to ensure the quality of smart government services and support government as well as academic entities to achieve a common level of performance, safety and quality on new and emerging access channels.

The aim of TRA innovation camp, organized by TRA in its third edition this year, is to direct the interest and preference of the young generation toward the future technical horizons, in addition to support their desire to explore and innovate, as well as self-development of technical skills, in line with the UAE’s efforts in the field of ICT. Additionally, it aims to implement projects of a technical nature, for building basic skills to help the student to develop himself technically, instill the idea of good use of resources and refining his talents and skills to establish an entrepreneurship culture, particularly in the digital world.